countyscore
58.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.9Water Quality 86Safety 83.9

County Report Card

About Wichita County, Kansas

Strong Livability Above the Median

Wichita County earns a composite score of 58.1, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of stability and affordability.

A High-Ranking Kansas County

The county's 58.1 score is nearly nine points higher than the state average of 49.5. It is a top performer in the western portion of the state.

Exceptional Safety and Disaster Resilience

Wichita County excels with a Risk Score of 91.9 and a Safety Score of 83.9. It also maintains a strong Water Score of 86.0 and healthy median incomes of $71,282.

Health Outcomes and Tax Rates

The Health Score of 30.8 is the county's primary concern, indicating a need for better wellness access. The Tax Score of 14.5 also reflects a higher-than-average property tax burden.

Best for Secure, High-Income Rural Life

Wichita County is a great fit for families who want a safe, disaster-resistant environment with good pay. The $98,700 median home value makes it very accessible for middle-class buyers.

Score breakdown

Tax14.5Cost72.3Safety83.9Health30.8Schools61.7Income69.5Risk91.9Water86Weather37.5
🏛14.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Scott County
Kansas
52.2
Greeley County
Kansas
53.7
Logan County
Kansas
54.8
Kearny County
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Wallace County
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Hamilton County
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Lane County
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Finney County
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Deep Dives

Wichita County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wichita County

via TaxByCounty

Wichita County taxes below national median

At 1.468%, Wichita County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the lower half of all U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,449 is just over half the national median of $2,690.

Competitive with Kansas average

Wichita County's 1.468% rate is slightly below Kansas's 1.549% state average. The median tax of $1,449 is well below the statewide median of $1,943, offering favorable tax treatment by state standards.

Among the lower-taxed in the group

Wichita County's 1.468% rate places it near the middle of this eight-county comparison, slightly above Thomas County and Wabaunsee but below Wallace County. It represents a reasonable option in the western Kansas tax landscape.

Affordable taxes on modest homes

The median home in Wichita County is valued at $98,700, with annual property taxes of $1,449. That's approximately $121 per month—among the lowest absolute tax burdens in the region.

Double-check your assessed value

Even low-tax counties experience assessment errors that cost homeowners money over time. A simple property tax appeal could uncover whether your assessed value aligns with similar homes in your area and unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wichita County

via CostByCounty

Wichita County: Balanced Affordability

Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% sits well below national affordability thresholds, supported by median household income of $71,282 near the national median of $74,755. Renters here enjoy shelter costs that consume less than typical American housing burdens.

Upper-Half Affordability in Kansas

At 12.4%, Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, positioning it among the state's more affordable markets. Median rent of $738/month runs $49 below the state average.

Moderate Costs with Low Home Values

Wichita County's $738 rent aligns with Thomas County ($753) while remaining above Wallace County ($578) and Trego County ($694), reflecting balanced regional positioning. Its median home value of $98,700 represents the region's lowest, offering exceptional entry-level homeownership.

Renters Lead, Owners Follow

Renters pay $738 monthly while owners spend $717—unusually efficient—against the $71,282 median income, consuming 12% and 12% respectively. The parity between rent and mortgage costs makes Wichita County attractive for both housing tenures.

First-Time Homebuyers Welcome Here

Wichita County combines moderate rent, low home values, and balanced affordability ratios, making it ideal for renters ready to buy. Compare its $98,700 median home value and ownership costs against neighboring counties to assess your homeownership readiness.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wichita County

via IncomeByCounty

Wichita County Reaches Near Parity

Wichita County's median household income of $71,282 sits about $3,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just shy of the national middle. For an isolated county in the high plains, this is a strong achievement.

Top Tier in Kansas Earnings

At $71,282, Wichita County's median income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 11%, ranking it among the state's higher-earning counties. The per capita income of $35,838 slightly exceeds the state average, indicating reasonably broad-based prosperity.

Leading the Panhandle Economically

Wichita County's $71,282 income substantially outpaces Wallace ($60,263) and Greeley counties to the west, establishing it as an economic anchor in the northwest panhandle. Only Thomas and Trego counties rival Wichita's earning power in the region.

Affordable Housing Supports Stability

Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is reasonable, and the median home value of just $98,700 makes homeownership accessible on local incomes. Housing affordability provides genuine breathing room for household budgets.

Turn Income Stability Into Assets

Wichita County's combination of strong income and low housing costs creates an ideal foundation for wealth-building through homeownership, retirement savings, and modest investment. Financial literacy programs can help residents convert income into lasting assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wichita County

via CrimeByCounty

Wichita County's Elite Safety Score

Wichita County secures an excellent safety score of 99.4, placing it well ahead of the national average. The total crime rate of 375.4 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Surpassing State Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score nearly 1.5 points higher than the Kansas average of 98.0, the county is a model of rural safety. Its crime rate of 375.4 is roughly 70% lower than the state average.

Stability in the High Plains

Wichita County is significantly safer than neighboring Thomas County at 1,542.9 and mirrors the low-crime profile of Wallace County. It offers one of the most stable environments in the High Plains region.

Property and Violent Crime Data

Violent crime is recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 for 2022, while property crime is also low at 375.4. This data suggests that criminal activity in the county is largely limited to minor property issues.

Ongoing Community Partnership

Maintaining this level of safety requires continuous community partnership between residents and local agencies. Residents can enhance their peace of mind by installing smart home systems to monitor their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wichita County

via HealthByCounty

Wichita County faces serious health crisis

Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is 4.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, marking the lowest in this eight-county group. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 15.3%, reflecting a population burdened with chronic disease.

Worst health outcomes in Kansas

Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is nearly 4 years below the Kansas average of 75.4 years, placing it among the state's unhealthiest counties. The 17.1% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in Kansas, indicating serious population health challenges.

Region's most troubled health profile

Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is 7 years lower than top-performing neighbors like Trego County, revealing stark disparities. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest among these eight counties, signaling a health crisis requiring urgent intervention.

Highest uninsured rate compounds crisis

Wichita County's uninsured rate of 15.8% is the worst in this group and far exceeds the state average of 11.5%, leaving over 1 in 6 residents without coverage. Despite having the most primary care providers at 96 per 100,000 residents, mental health provider data is unavailable, and coverage barriers prevent many from accessing available care.

Get covered—your health depends on it

With 15.8% uninsured, Wichita County residents face the highest coverage gap in the region and must prioritize getting health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov, Kansas Medicaid, or a local health clinic immediately to find affordable coverage and connect with primary and mental health care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wichita County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized schooling in western Kansas

Wichita County utilizes a simplified educational model with two public schools—one elementary and one high school. Both schools are part of a single district that serves the entire county's 392 students. This structure creates a unified educational journey from kindergarten through graduation.

Graduation rates exceed national averages

Students here achieve a 90.0% graduation rate, beating the national average of 87% and the state average of 88.7%. The county spends $8,539 per pupil, slightly under the state's $9,009 average expenditure. With a school score of 56.9, the county performs very closely to the Kansas state average of 57.2.

Focus on the Leoti school district

The Leoti school district oversees all 392 students in the county, providing a consistent administrative experience. There are zero charter schools in the county, meaning every student benefits from traditional public school resources. This single-district approach ensures all community support is focused on just two campuses.

Rural learning with consistent peer groups

Both schools are located in rural settings, with an average enrollment of 196 students per campus. Wichita County Elementary serves 210 students, while the Junior-Senior High School educates 182. Because students stay with the same peer group for 13 years, the schools foster exceptionally strong social bonds.

Small-town living with academic success

If you are looking for a community where schools are the heart of town, Wichita County is a prime choice. The 90% graduation rate makes Leoti a smart place to invest in real estate for families. Find your next home in this unified district where student success is a community priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wichita County

via RiskByCounty

Wichita County maintains minimal risk

At 8.17, Wichita County scores significantly below the national average with a "Very Low" rating for natural disaster risk. Your county ranks among the safer regions nationwide for natural hazard exposure.

Among Kansas's lowest-risk counties

Wichita County's 8.17 score sits well below the state average of 29.89, placing it in the safest tier of Kansas counties. Your location in the southwest provides exceptional protection across hazard categories.

Low risk consistent across region

Wichita County (8.17) aligns with nearby Trego County (2.70) and Wallace County (1.18) in the very-low-risk category. This western Kansas corridor represents one of America's safest natural disaster zones.

Wildfire and tornado minor concerns

Wildfire risk (9.96) and tornado risk (17.97) are your county's leading hazards, though both remain low in absolute terms. Earthquake (8.94) and flood (4.39) risks present negligible exposure.

Basic preparedness covers your needs

Maintain a basic disaster kit with water, flashlight, and first-aid supplies, and review your homeowners policy annually. Clear gutters of debris and trim tree branches away from your roof to minimize wildfire and water damage risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wichita County

via WeatherByCounty

Wichita County's arid continental climate

Wichita County averages 52.3°F annually, falling just below the national median. With only 19.3 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the driest regions in the country compared to the national average.

Significant rainfall deficits vs Kansas norms

Wichita County is significantly drier than the Kansas average, receiving 11 inches less precipitation than the state's 30.3-inch mean. It also trends cooler than the state average of 54.8°F.

A snowy outlier in the west

It is drier than both Wallace and Trego counties, marking it as a particularly arid part of western Kansas. However, it receives the most snowfall among its neighbors, averaging 23.8 inches per year.

Extreme heat meets snowy winters

The county sees 60 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 76.8°F. Winters are snowy and cold, with 23.8 inches of snow and a winter average of 31.4°F.

Conserving water and clearing snow

Water conservation and drought-resistant landscaping are vital given the low 19.3 inches of annual rain. Residents should also be prepared for heavy winter weather with robust snow removal tools for the driveway.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wichita County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Agricultural Silt Loams

Wichita County is characterized by silt loam soils belonging to the Mollisol order, the most productive soil order in the world. The pH of 7.60 is notably alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in western Kansas where minerals remain near the surface.

Balanced Texture for Heavy Farming

The composition is 49.0% silt, 29.1% sand, and 21.9% clay. This specific silt loam texture is prized by farmers for its ability to hold moisture while remaining easy to plow. It provides a stable, aerated environment for deep crop roots to flourish.

Strong Water Capacity in Dry Soil

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.72%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is higher than the Kansas state average. This means the soil is surprisingly good at capturing and holding onto the region's limited rainfall.

Reliable Well-Drained Land

The land is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This group indicates a moderate infiltration rate, providing a good balance between moisture retention and runoff prevention. These conditions are ideal for preventing the root rot that can occur in soggier soils.

Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 6a

Wichita County is located in zone 6a, where heat-loving crops like melons and beans perform well. Focus on plants that can handle alkaline soil and the bright Kansas sun. Your garden will thrive if you utilize the soil's natural ability to store water deeply.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wichita County

via LawnByCounty

Careful Water Management in Wichita County

Wichita County records a lawn difficulty score of 50.2, placing it right at the national median for effort. This zone 6a region requires more intensive care than the average Kansas county to maintain vibrant turf.

Western Kansas Sun and Arid Air

With only 19.3 inches of annual rain, this is the driest county in this group. You will need to manage 60 extreme heat days per year, which can quickly dehydrate lawns that aren't properly established.

Working with Well-Drained Silt Loams

The soil is a well-drained silt loam, which is generally positive for root health but requires steady watering in this dry climate. A pH of 7.60 indicates alkalinity that might limit the success of acid-loving grass varieties.

Battling 11 Weeks of Drought

Wichita County faced 11 weeks of drought recently, underscoring the need for xeriscaping or drought-hardy turf. Using smart irrigation controllers can help you provide exactly what the lawn needs during these dry spells.

Choose the Right Grass for Wichita

Buffalo grass is the gold standard for this arid 6a zone due to its incredible drought tolerance. Be prepared to seed after May 2nd to ensure young sprouts aren't nipped by a late-season freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wichita County's county score?
Wichita County, Kansas has a composite county score of 58.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wichita County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wichita County ranks #20 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wichita County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wichita County is $1,449, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Wichita County a tax score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wichita County?
The median household income in Wichita County, Kansas is $71,282 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wichita County earns an income score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wichita County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wichita County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wichita County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wichita County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.